Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were the favorites at the 2007 Canada Masters in Montreal. Novak toppled Rafa in the semi-final and set the title clash against Roger, facing the ultimate challenge en route to his second Masters 1000 crown.
Djokovic bested Nadal 7-5, 6-3 in an hour and 51 minutes, avenging losses from Rome, Paris and London and securing his second victory over a great rival from seven duels. Novak took charge in the opening set’s closing stages and overpowered world no.
2 in the second to remain on the title course. Djokovic fired 11 aces. He defended all eight break chances and kept the pressure on the other side, forcing Nadal to follow that pace to remain in contention. Novak broke Rafa two times from four opportunities, prevailing in the pivotal moments and sealing the deal in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in Montreal 2007.
The Serb had 25 winners and forced over 30 mistakes from Nadal.
Novak was the more aggressive player, looking eager to beat the rival after tough Roland Garros and Wimbledon losses. Djokovic built a massive advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes. He also toppled Nadal in the most extended exchanges to seal the deal in style and prepare for another formidable rival in the battle for the trophy.
Rafa saved a break point in the encounter’s fourth game with a forehand winner and landed a service winner to wrap it up and level the score at 2-2. Delivering one comfortable hold after another, Novak opened a 4-3 advantage before Rafa fired a backhand crosscourt bullet in the next one to remain in touch.In one of the pivotal moments, Djokovic fended off three break chances at 5-5 to avoid a late setback.
The Serb forced the Spaniard’s error in the next one to grab a break and clinch the set 7-5, gaining a massive boost. Novak erased a break chance at the beginning of the second set and an additional four at 1-1, never facing trouble on serve again and sending the pressure to the other side.
Serving at 3-4, Nadal netted a slice to suffer a break and fall behind. Djokovic served for the victory in the next one and sealed the deal with a hold at love for his third Masters 1000 final of the season.
